Bulletin Letter – 3/8/20

Dear Parishioners, +JMJ

We have begun the liturgical season of Lent; and Lent is certainly a time to examine our spiritual life, even something as big as our understanding of God’s provision for us. As we journey through life, do we think about the way God gives attention to everything we experience, every detail? Or, do we journey through life as if we are on our own, as if things befall us that are outside of God’s control, outside of his wisdom and love for us?

One of the books I am very slowly reading through in my rectory chapel is entitled, In Sinu Iesu, [“At the breast/heart of Jesus]. It’s a collection of inner locutions from Jesus to a cloistered priest. The author is anonymous, because the focus of the book was intended to be totally on Jesus and His words. The author wanted to remain totally in the background. It’s a book especially aimed at priests, but it certainly offers wisdom for everybody. Here’s a very rich paragraph in which Jesus exhorts the priest to trust him in the changing circumstances of life:

Tuesday, June 17, 2008: Trust Me with all the events of your life. I will not abandon you. You are Mine and I will not for sake you. The decisions of men are all in My hands. Nothing will befall you that I do not permit. I will give you My grace to accept the changing circumstances of your life. It is I who am behind all that happens to you. Nothing escapes My wisdom; nothing escapes My love; nothing escapes My omnipotence. Trust Me, and be at peace. I bless you with all the love of My Sacred Heart. Do not be afraid. Tell Me again and again that you trust in My merciful love for you (p.68).

In the midst of our increased Lenten prayer, fasting and almsgiving, let’s ask our Lord to bring us by the other side of Lent to a place where we abide in trust that His merciful love truly embraces every aspect of our life.